Never before has a Summer League generated so much excitement. And this has been confirmed by the numbers. Boosted, no doubt, by the first steps of the Habs Victor Wembanyama with his new team the San Antonio Spurs, the meetings made a hit of audience on the opening weekend of the Summer League. Three hundred million videos have been viewed by fans, including 72 million for the only Wemby selected number one in the draft last month by the Texas franchise.
Driven by Victor Wembanyama's debut (72M video views), In-Season Tournament announcement & NBA Con, opening weekend delivered record social & digital engagement
đ± NBA App's most unique visitors during the offseason EVER (Fri. & Sun.)
đ300M video views on @NBA social & NBA App pic.twitter.com/67M3XTHyRv
â NBA Communications (@NBAPR) July 11, 2023
After a debut against the Charlotte Hornets in a half-hearted game (9 points in 27 minutes for a 2-of-13 shooting), Victor Wembanyama then left a much better impression against the Portland Trail Blazers in a game where he finished in double-doubles (27 points and 12 rebounds). He will not play the rest of the Summer League with Spurs. This scenario was the one envisioned by the franchise from the beginning. Tony Parker's former club wanted to offer the French player a taste of the NBA game, before resting him after a long season in France. We shouldn't see him again until October for the NBA preseason.